Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-06
OUR ARMY.
Views 81 the Secretary of War Con.
tanned In E4ls Annual Report.

tanned I'm Els Annual Report.
The annual report of the Secretary OF War was
made public this afternoon. In regard to the dis
position Of the Apache Indians who are at Mount
vernon barracks, Ala, the secretary says at this
time IL IL dificult matter to ma for them per-
manent home: for many reasons It is impossible
to return them to Arizona; under existing laws
they cannot be taken to the indian Territory, and
In the northern reservations the climate is too cold
for them Pending q final decision they can re-
main where they are In comfort and safety.
In connection with the recent attendance Of
regular troops at militia encampments the Secre-
tary expresses the opinion that IL would be OF
great service IL regular troops could be
calls particular attention TO the recommenda-
ton OF General Sheridan that the General Govern
ment extend all possible aid to the National Guard
OF the diYerent States and that some system OF
militia encampments under the control and direc-
ton and at the entire expense OF the General Gov.
INCREASE or TIE ARMY.
The Secretary approves the recommendation Of
Gen. Sheridan that 5000 men be added to the
army, thereby perfecting the organization Of the
infantry BY adding two majors and two companies
70 last regiment. and In this connection approves
Conal regiments OF artillery be provided for.
THE SCHOOLS or INSTRUCTION,
the Secretary says, AFFORD admirable post-gradu.
ate courses Of study, and IL viii be necessary as IL
Is desirable, that every oicer should take his tour
Of study, In order that he may be fully equipped
for his duty. He trusts that the bin introduced in
the Senate at the last session requiring the exami-
nation OF officers for promotion may be passed
by Congress he thinks , that the perma
retired, and hopes that Congress will authorize q
suficient increase OF the retired list to accomplish
the purpose. An illustrated catalogue OF the
ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM.
he says, would be OF great value to science. A
large portion Of It Is already prepared, and au-
thority from Congress to publish 1t 4 earnestly
requested. A larger appropriation for binding is
is urgently required. Unless the seeretary's
able consideration OF Congress, he does not urge
the suggestion OF the Paymaster-General that the
number OF paymasters be limited to forty, and
that any paymaster OF the rank OF major, after
twenty years service as a commissioned ofhcer,
may be placed upon the retired list
FRICTION BETWEEN THE TREASURY AND WAR DE-
PARTMENTs-
The Secretary recommends that the powers of
the Treasury and War Departments be clearly de-
fined by legislation in order to prevent the fire.
quent clashing OF authority between the War and
Treasury Departments In regard TO payments d.
rected by the former. In regard to
THE WATER sUPPLY OF WASHINGTON,
the report says that the dam across the Poto-
mac at Great Falls, as finished is a solid masonry
structure g ST. feet long, varying in height from
4 to 20 feet, all solidly backed with riprap The
excavation OF the tunnel has been completed,
in its total length S,767 feet, leaving
II, 800 feet, all, or nearly all, OF which must be
Lined Tae PIE OF she Work %
more lining than was contemplated. The cost Is
also increased beyond the price nam In the esti-
mate, on the recommendation OF the board OF engi-
neers designated By Congr IS to determine the
proper character or the lining; and 1t Is eSIi-
mated that $500, 600 will be required to complete
the work.
THE POTOMAC FLATS.
In regard to the river front improvement the
Secretary says; 1.-THE Long Bridge is serious OBJ
strnction to the flow OF water beneath IT, and will
eventually cause a deposit OF sediment In the
river above The bridge should be rebuilt
in accordance with proper plans, and
regard TO this Is desirable. Provision
Se canal Tne g
walls built OF concrete is s20s, 144. on June 80
1887 the sum OF $685. S4l .O1 had been expended on
improvement is estimated at sl,441 ,s65. For the
year ending June 30, 1889. an appropriation OF
$6OO.OOO is recommended"
the Chief OF Ordnance, and embodies In the re-
port the recommendations sublatted by him and
heretofore published In tbs STAR. The recon-
mendation OF the Chief signal Officer for the
purchase OF suitable premises for his apartment,
according TO plans already suggested is concurred
In by the secretary AS measure OF economy and
for the interest Of the service and safety OF re-
cords.
the Secretary thinks that regular and proper
efficiency and materially reduce its expenses.
THE LAFAYETTE STATUE.
The Secretary says that the basis Of a contract
with Messrs. Mercie Falgniere, OF Paris, for the
Lafayette monument, has been concluded, and
the formal contract has been forwarded to the
United states minister at Paris for execution by
the sculptors Two years from the date OF
the contract are allowed FOR It's compile
ton. The design embraces an heroic
statue in bronze OF La Fayette, upon a marble
pedestal, around the base Of which are TO be
grouped four OF his compatriots. The names OF
The four Frenchmen have not yet been definitely
decided upon, nor has site for the statue been
selected.
In conclusion the Secretary expresses satisfac-
ton with the clerical force OF the Department
and says that the result OF the examinations for
promotion was satisfactory.
The work OF the Department continues to
increase, and is In arrears In some OF the
offices, and recoursee must again be had TO
extra hours unless additional force Is authorized
He renews the recommendations for the appoint
ment OF an Assistant Secretary OF War and OF an
Assistant Attorney General TO advise and assist in